Evaluation and management of pill aspiration: case discussion and review of the literature

Chest. 2013 Jun;143(6):1791-1795. doi: 10.1378/chest.12-1571.

Abstract

Pill aspiration represents a unique type of foreign body aspiration requiring a distinct diagnostic and therapeutic approach. In many cases, the "foreign body" itself may no longer be present, whereas the airway manifestations may persist for months to years. Limited data exist to guide management decisions. We report two cases of severe airway injury secondary to pill aspiration and provide a review of the literature. Endobronchial surveillance may be important to identify impending airway obstruction via secretions, edema, granulation tissue, or fibrotic stricture. In many cases, the airway sequelae of pill aspiration can be effectively managed with bronchoscopy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Airway Obstruction / diagnosis*
  • Airway Obstruction / etiology*
  • Airway Obstruction / therapy*
  • Biopsy
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Capsules / adverse effects*
  • Cough
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Foreign Bodies / complications*
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnosis*
  • Foreign Bodies / therapy*
  • Foreign-Body Reaction / diagnosis*
  • Foreign-Body Reaction / etiology*
  • Foreign-Body Reaction / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male

Substances

  • Capsules